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PAPER

Dr. Silvia Nagy-Zekmi 
Office: SAC 341,

Phone: 610-519-3069
Office hours:

M,W 6-7pm or by appt.

Spring 2011

MW 4:30-5:45pm

 

Requirements Sources Academic IntegrityFormat TopicsDeadlines

 

Definition: The paper is a short (min. 4, max 8 pages) essays based on your readings, class lectures, investigation, etc. You should formulate your thesis and using cultural theories and concepts coherently and in a convincing manner. Make sure your paper reflects a clear, coherent thought process and understanding of the topic, in addition to a well-structured  presentation. Use examples when possible, but do not use them extensively, because you will not be able to include all necessary information if you "waste" your space with too many examples.


 

Requirements:

A paper should

  • incorporate readings assigned for classes within that thematic grouping (check 'classes' link on the website);

  • evidence clear comprehension of the primary argument presented in each author’s work; and

  • draw connections between the readings and the themes so that the paper is greater than the sum of its parts

REMEMBER! the paper is NOT a simple summary (i.e. not a synthesis) of the readings but rather a comprehensive analysis and critical engagement with the overarching themes, authors and texts covered in that section and in the course as a whole.

 

Your paper should provide an introduction with a clearly articulated thesis statement that outlines your main position or argument. (in other words, the answer you are seeking to the specific questions you asked about the topic). The substance of the paper is critical analysis, which means you should offer your opinion/reflection based on cultural theories from the readings and from class discussion. The paper should end with concluding statements that address the areas and arguments you have covered and link your conclusion to the opening statement.


 

Sources:

You can quote sources other than the assigned readings. However, proper referencing is required both in the body of your paper and in your works cited section.

Academic Integrity:

Format:

  • Length: 4 pages

  • follow the MLA style guidelines (see above),

  • number all pages, double space, and use 12-point Times New Roman font,

  • submit you paper electronically (virus-free MS Word) using "safeassign icon" of the webCT site.

  • How does safeassign work? Click here.


Topics:

Choose ONE of the following topics:

 

  • Topic # 1.  How postmodern discourse is produced compared to modernity (i.e. objectivity / subjectivity) and what role power plays in the process (is postcoloniality part of the postmodern – yes or no, (argue it either way)  and why?)

  • Topic # 2:  What do colonization and patriarchy have in common and how this is manifested in the representation of the colonized or gendered subject (perhaps both).

  • Topic # 3. How does commodification affects cultural products, such as news media and cultural artifacts? Please base your observation on pertinent cultural theories.

Pls. include references to most of the readings in your analysis.

Deadlines:

  • March 28. Choice of topic and focus of paper - in class

  • March 30. Upload on SafeAssign (on WebCT) paper title, paragraph and at least 6 sources you plan to use

  • April  11. Upload first draft on SafeAssign.

  • April 18. (midnight) Paper is due on SafeAssign. Late papers will not be accepted.

  • April 27. Animoto project presented in class.(If you do not come to class, your project earns a failing grade.

Animoto project is due on April 27

  • The project will be a video presentation that illustrates the paper (either topic above that you chose) using the animoto program. You have to make a 30 seconds vide-audio-multimedia project using animoto. You will show the project on the class of the 27th, so it must be finished BEFORE class.